What is Skinoren cream used for?

How does Skinoren cream work?

Skinoren cream contains the active ingredient azelaic acid.

Azelaic acid reduces the growth of the keratin surface skin cells that can block pores. This helps to unblock the pores and sebaceous glands (glands which secrete sebum) and as a result the sebum can escape. This reduces the formation of blackheads and spots.

Azelaic acid also kills the bacteria associated with acne, Propionebacterium acnes. This is a common type of bacteria that feeds on sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It produces waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands, making them inflamed and causing spots.

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Azelaic acid reduces the numbers of these bacteria by reducing their food source (sebum) and by inhibiting their growth. By controlling bacterial numbers, the inflammation of the sebaceous glands is brought under control, and the skin is allowed to heal.

Regular use of Skinoren is important. In general, an improvement in the acne becomes apparent after about four weeks of using the cream. The manufacturer states that to obtain the best results, Skinoren cream should be applied over a period of several months, but not for more than 12 months at a time.

Who shouldn't use Skinoren cream?

Children under 12 years of age.

People who are allergic to any of the ingredients. Check the ingredients listed in the leaflet that comes with the medicine if you know you have specific allergies.

How do I use Skinoren cream?

Skinoren cream should be applied to the affected areas of skin twice a day (morning and evening) after washing and drying the skin. As a guide, approximately 2.5cm of cream should be enough to treat the entire face. Rub the cream in gently. People with sensitive skin should apply the cream just once a day in the evening for the first week of treatment, and then increase to twice daily applications.

Wash your hands after applying the cream.

Take care to avoid getting the cream in the eyes, mouth and inside of the nose. If the cream accidentally comes into contact with these areas, rinse immediately with large amounts of water.

If your skin becomes very irritated after using the cream you should either use less, or reduce use to once a day until the irritation has resolved. If necessary, treatment can be temporarily interrupted until the irritation has resolved. If any irritation persists, consult your doctor.

Can I use Skinoren while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before you start using Skinoren cream.

The safety of Skinoren for use during pregnancy has not been established, however, only low levels of the medicine are absorbed through the skin. It should only be used during pregnancy if considered essential by your doctor.

Skinoren is unlikely to pose any risk to a nursing infant if used by mothers who are breastfeeding. However, you should avoid applying the cream on or near the breasts before feeding to avoid the infant accidentally coming into contact with it. Seek further advice from your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Skinoren?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects associated with Skinoren cream. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using the cream will experience that or any side effect.

Very common (affect more than 1 in 10 people)

Redness, itching or burning at the application site. Generally, any skin irritation at the application site improves with continued use, but if the irritation is very severe you should either use less cream, or reduce use to once a day until the irritation has cleared up.

Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)

Peeling, dryness or discolouration at the application site.

Uncommon (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people)

Tingling sensation, swelling or dermatitis at the application site.

Loss of skin pigmentation.

Oily skin.

Rare (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people)

Some people with asthma may find their asthma gets worse. See your doctor if you think this is the case.

Can I use Skinoren cream with other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines and it's fine to use it alongside medicines taken by mouth. However it's best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before using other acne creams alongside it.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.